Why Hdr Looks Bad In Windows And How To Fix

Why HDR Looks Bad in Windows

Enabling HDR in Windows can often result in washed-out colors and an unpleasant viewing experience, particularly when viewing standard dynamic range (SDR) content. This issue arises from several factors, including the inherent differences between HDR and SDR content, monitor capabilities, and how Windows handles HDR settings.

Understanding HDR and SDR Content

HDR (High Dynamic Range) content is designed to display a wider range of colors and higher contrast levels compared to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content. However, most desktop applications, including the Windows desktop itself, are optimized for SDR. When HDR is enabled, these SDR applications can appear washed out or too dark because they are not optimized for the HDR color space.

Adjusting SDR Content in HDR Mode

To mitigate the issue of SDR content looking bad in HDR mode, you can adjust the relative brightness of SDR content without affecting HDR content. Here’s how:

Adjust Brightness Settings: Go to Start -> Settings -> System -> Display. Choose the monitor you want to adjust and look for the HDR settings. You can adjust the brightness slider for SDR content to make it more visible while HDR is enabled.
Use the Brightness Slider: Windows 10 includes a built-in brightness slider that adjusts the brightness of SDR content when HDR is enabled. Turning this up can help improve the visibility of SDR content.

Checking Monitor Settings

The quality of your monitor significantly affects how HDR content is displayed. Here are some key points to consider:

Monitor Capabilities: Not all monitors are created equal when it comes to HDR. Look for monitors with high peak brightness (preferably 1000 Nits or better) and panel technology that can provide sufficient contrast, such as OLED or backlight technology with many individual dimming zones.
HDR Standards: Monitors certified for advanced HDR standards like Dolby Vision or HDR10+ are more likely to provide a better HDR experience.

In-App HDR Settings

Some applications, especially games, have their own HDR settings that can be adjusted for better performance:

Game-Specific Settings: Some games, like those from Ubisoft, have better HDR implementations than others. Check the game's settings to see if there are specific HDR options that can be adjusted.
Enable HDR Before Launching: For many games that use HDR, you need to enable HDR in Windows before launching the game. This ensures that the game recognizes and uses the HDR mode correctly.

Common Issues and Solutions

Several common issues can arise when using HDR in Windows, along with some solutions:

Colors Not Displaying Correctly: If colors appear under saturated or over saturated, check if night light is turned on, as it can affect the color display. Also, ensure that your laptop is plugged in if you're using an HDR-capable laptop, as battery saver settings can turn off HDR.
Brightness Changes Unexpectedly: If brightness changes unexpectedly, especially when using a laptop, adjust the brightness setting manually or change the power settings to keep HDR on when running on battery.
Video Flickering: If video flickers when playing full screen in Movies & TV with HDR turned on, turn off HDR and then play the video full screen. This issue has been fixed in some updates, so ensure your Windows is up to date.

Best Practices for Using HDR in Windows

To get the most out of HDR in Windows, follow these best practices:

Enable HDR Only for HDR Content: HDR mode should only be enabled when viewing HDR content. Enabling it for general SDR content can result in a poor viewing experience.
Use the HDR Toggle Shortcut: Use the Win + Alt + B keyboard shortcut to toggle HDR on and off quickly, which can be convenient for switching between HDR and SDR modes.
Check for Updates: Ensure your Windows is up to date, as updates often fix issues related to HDR display and performance.

Troubleshooting HDR Issues

If you're still experiencing issues with HDR, here are some troubleshooting steps:

Check Display Capabilities: Ensure that your display is HDR-capable and that the HDR settings are correctly configured. Sometimes, the display capabilities may not be recognized correctly, especially when using external monitors.
Adjust Monitor Settings: Check your monitor's settings to ensure they are optimized for HDR. This may include adjusting the color space, brightness, and contrast settings.
Disable HDR for SDR Content: If SDR content looks bad with HDR enabled, it's best to disable HDR for general desktop use and only enable it when viewing HDR content.